Image Forming Apparatus Surface Reformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming techniques struggle to distinguish between regions of varying image quality on a base material due to differences in surface reformation processing, leading to inefficiencies in material usage and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes a feed unit, transport mechanism, surface reforming unit, and control unit to manage the base material's transport and surface reformation, allowing for differential surface processing and image formation along a transport path, enabling clear differentiation of image quality regions and reducing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If surface reformation processing is performed multiple times on the same region to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between regions of different image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing surface reformation processing selectively on different regions of the base material. The first region receives surface reformation processing while the second region does not, creating locally differentiated image qualities. This allows high-quality images in the first region while maintaining distinguishability from the second region, resolving the contradiction between improving image quality and maintaining quality differentiation.
2Loss of substance
If the base material is transported back and forth to perform surface reformation and image formation, then material usage is optimized, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base material processing into distinct first and second regions along the transport path. The first region is dedicated to surface reformation processing while the second region is for image formation without surface reformation. This segmentation allows the transport mechanism to move the base material through defined zones, optimizing material usage while managing process complexity through spatial organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing surface reformation processing on the first region before image formation. The base material is transported to the first region, surface reformation is performed to prepare the surface, then the material is transported to the second region for image formation. This preliminary preparation optimizes material usage by ensuring proper surface conditions before imaging, while the structured transport path manages the increased process complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively distinguishes image quality variations and reduces material waste by strategically performing surface reformation and image formation, enhancing image quality and optimizing base material usage.
Implementation Method 1
preprocessing for activating the surface of the base material is performed by corona discharge or the like before the printing
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
Performed are surface reformation processing of reforming a surface of a base material in a first region along a transport path and image forming processing of forming an image on the surface reformed by the surface reformation processing of the base material in a second region along the transport path while transporting the base material in the first transport direction along the transport path. Next, the base material having a formation-completed portion in which the image is formed on the surface is transported in a second transport direction opposite to the first transport direction along the transport path. Next, when the surface reformation processing and the image forming processing are performed while the base material having the formation-completed portion is transported in the first transport direction along the transport path, the image is formed on the surface of the base material in the second region in such a manner that a multiple surface reforming region, in which the number of executions of surface reformation processing in the first region in the surface of the base material is larger than that in a surrounding region, can be distinguished.